InStyle
As temperatures rise, the importance of a well-chosen summer fragrance cannot be overstated. The right cologne not only keeps you feeling fresh on a sweltering day but also ensures a crisp, professional impression in the office. This season, a blend of new niche releases, time-honored classics and innovative scent profiles are redefining warm-weather fragrance trends.
To navigate the expansive world of summer scents, we turned to industry expert David Frossard, CEO of P Frapin & Cie and Obvious Parfums, who shared valuable insights into selecting the perfect summer fragrance. The key, he emphasizes, lies in opting for fresh, zesty and clean notes that offer longevity and wearability. Below, we explore five outstanding colognes that meet these criteria, balancing citrus, spice, and aquatic elements to create the ultimate summer olfactory experience.
1. Bvlgari Pour Homme Eau De Parfum
Price: From AUD$210
A Refreshing and Affordable Alternative
Bvlgari’s Pour Homme Eau De Parfum is a sophisticated choice for those seeking a refined yet accessible summer fragrance. Designed with a transparent and fresh character, this scent opens with bright Darjeeling tea and zesty ginger, evolving into a heart of rich black tea and guaiac wood. As it settles, a delicate blend of white musk and ambrette lends depth, adding a subtle spiced edge that lingers throughout the day.
Often compared to Louis Vuitton’s Imagination due to their shared perfumer, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Pour Homme Eau De Parfum offers an impressive performance at a fraction of the price. It delivers a moderate projection of approximately four hours on skin and up to six hours on fabric, making it an excellent choice for professionals and casual wearers alike. While it can be worn year-round, its light and fruity essence make it particularly suited for the warmer months.
Top Notes: Darjeeling Tea, Ginger
Middle Notes: Black Tea, Guaiac Wood
Base Notes: White Musk, Ambrette
2. Galloway by Parfums de Marly
Price: From AUD$398
Understated Luxury with Remarkable Longevity
For those seeking a high-end summer scent that embodies quiet luxury, Galloway by Parfums de Marly is an exemplary choice. Eschewing the overtly citrusy compositions found in many summer colognes, this fragrance presents a masterful balance of crisp citrus, delicate lavender and ambroxan. The initial brightness fades gracefully into a peppery base, introducing an intriguing complexity that sets it apart.
Boasting outstanding longevity, Galloway projects well for over six hours, with its refined character making it particularly appealing for formal settings. Unlike more attention-grabbing colognes, this one earns appreciation from discerning fragrance connoisseurs rather than casual passersby.
Top Notes: Citruses, Pepper
Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Iris
Base Notes: Musk, Amber
3. H24 Eau de Parfum by Hermès
Price: From AUD$216
A Green Fragrance with Timeless Appeal
One of the most distinguished green fragrances on the market, Hermès’ H24 Eau de Parfum delivers an invigorating burst of clary sage upon the first spray, followed by an enveloping oakmoss and high-tech moss composition. With its bold yet refined profile, this scent exudes freshness while maintaining a sophisticated complexity.
Performance is equally impressive. With a one-meter projection and meaningful sillage, it provides a longevity of up to six hours on skin and even longer on clothing. The fragrance is suitable for daily wear, effortlessly transitioning between casual, office and formal occasions.
The eco-conscious will also appreciate its sustainability, crafted from recycled glass, with packaging composed entirely of recycled fibers.
Notes: Sage, High-Tech Moss, Sclarene
4. Green by Coach
Price: From AUD$150
A Budget-Friendly Kiwi-Infused Scent
For those seeking an affordable yet unique summer fragrance, Green by Coach is an outstanding contender. Unlike conventional citrus-based colognes, this scent introduces a distinct Kiwi note at the forefront, setting it apart from the rest. It transitions smoothly into a heart of rosemary and geranium before settling into a grounding cedar and moss base.
Though it lacks the longevity of its higher-end counterparts, lasting around four hours on skin, its affordability and appealing scent profile make it an excellent everyday option. Whether worn to work, on a casual weekend, or even at a formal event, Green by Coach offers versatility without breaking the bank.
Top Notes: Kiwi, Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rosemary, Geranium
Base Notes: Cedar, Moss
5. Vetiver Musc by Narciso Rodriguez
Price: From AUD$153
A Musky Yet Refreshing Summer Staple
Ideal for the start of summer, Vetiver Musc by Narciso Rodriguez presents a sophisticated blend of oceanic citrus, aromatic lavender and warm cedar. The initial burst of cardamom, nutmeg and cypress offers a spicy freshness, which gradually transitions into a musky heart accented by red algae and frankincense.
With a projection radius of approximately one meter, this cologne offers moderate sillage and a longevity of around four hours before fading into a softer skin scent. While suitable for a broad audience, it particularly resonates with men aged 25 to 40 who seek a balance between fresh and woody notes in their summer cologne.
Top Notes: Cypress, Cardamom, Nutmeg
Middle Notes: Musk, Bourbon Geranium, Lavender, Red Algae, Frankincense
Base Notes: Vetiver, Cedar, Patchouli
This curated selection of summer colognes caters to various preferences, from citrus and green compositions to subtle musks and luxurious niche creations. Whether opting for the affordable sophistication of Bvlgari Pour Homme Eau De Parfum, the understated elegance of Galloway by Parfums de Marly, or the unique vibrancy of Green by Coach, each fragrance brings a distinct personality to the wearer. As the warm months approach, investing in a scent that complements both personal style and seasonal demands is essential for staying fresh and confident in every setting.